One big reason I have for supporting the beachcomber is because Ted, the owner, supports windsurfing and the AWT without his help the contest probably wouldn't be as successful. There's very few non-windsurfers supporting windsurfing so that's a big thing for me. Furthermore the rooms are clean and some even have hot tubs on the balcony where you just look out on the ocean.

We just drove up 101 from SF to Gold Beach/Pistol River last week for the AWT Wave Bash, and stayed, with our very energetic dog, at the Beachcomber. I echo Rueben's comments and add that it is very dog friendly. We stayed in one of the ocean view rooms with beach access right out the sliding glass door! It is awesome, reasonably priced, and chill.

Also, the 101 is stunning and fun to drive. Lots of interesting places and it's a lot cooler than inland in the summer. Whatever you choose, have a great trip!

I drove Highway 97 back one time from the Gorge, and I doubt that I would ever do it again. Outside of being a two lane highway for most of the way, you end up slowing down and stopping at electric signals through every town along the way. Some folks like a slow pace and don't mind the stop and go through towns, but I would much prefer more lanes and open freeway.

However, if I want to take my time and enjoy in the scenery on my way north or south, there's nothing better than Highway 1. Having the ocean right there makes a big difference, particularly if the conditions are sunny and right for windsurfing.

What I would recommend is driving up I5 to Grants Pass and cutting over to the coast on Highway 199. That way you get the southern Oregon coast, and a chance to sail Pistol River or Cape Sebastian. Stay in Gold Beach overnight and in the morning take in the coast up to Florence and maybe sail again. I would then cut inland to I5 at Eugene. After that, it's straight to the Columbia River and east to Hood River.

I remember one trip years ago where conditions were so great at Pistol River, we stayed in the area for 5 days before continuing on to the Gorge. If the coast is on, why not indulge a bit?

Please support the inn of the beachcomber in gold beach if you can. Ted does so much for the AWT. The rooms are super plush. Good surf right out in front of the hotel. They offer SUP demos and a lower rate for windsurfers.

While windsurfing Floras can be fun and a new experience, I think, for most windsurfers, it'd get boring after a couple of good days.
Easy to drive 20 minutes to FaceRock, 40 to Florence, and 45 the other direction to Pistol/Cape.

You cannot post new topics in this forumYou cannot reply to topics in this forumYou cannot edit your posts in this forumYou cannot delete your posts in this forumYou cannot vote in polls in this forumYou can attach files in this forumYou can download files in this forum